The Promise

usa today bestseller!

Prequel to the Pennington Family Series

TO PROTECTOn a desperate journey to America, Rebecca Neville promises the dying wife of the Earl of Stanmore to raise and care for her newborn son, James. Once in the New World, Rebecca begins her new life, as a mother...

TO CHERISHTen years later, the Earl of Stanmore learns of the fate of his family. He sends to the colonies for his young heir so he can raise him as a peer of the realm. With no intention of forsaking her vow, Rebecca returns to England with James to face a future without her beloved charge. But she must also face her tumultuous past...

TO LOVEAt first glance, the formidable Stanmore sends Rebecca reeling. But beneath his coldly attractive façade and seeming indifference to his son's plight, emotions roil. For there is more to Stanmore and his motives than meets the eye. The enigmatic lord has his own promise to keep, and a passion for Rebecca that cannot be denied...

McGoldrick’s gift for characterization extends from the book’s courageous heroine and wounded hero down to a fascinating cast of secondary characters, including a viperous villain and a wonderfully scheming mistress. This vibrant Georgian historical is perfect for readers who like a nice mix of history and passion. – Booklist Review (American Library Association)

This was one of the first books I had read where the heroine has a child to care for and I thought it might ruin the romance like what sometimes happens in real life with children, but I was wrong! This story is poignant and sweet. The pacing is done well - the hero and heroine are not rushed into any sexual intercourse off the bat. Instead the attraction and romance slowly builds to fire some sizzling, yet romantic love scenes. The story is strong so readers feel like they are actually reading a book with substance, rather than just a weak story that keeps throwing the hero and heroine together for sex. This is actually one element I really love about May McGoldrick. “She” actually writes substantial stories and not facades of a story. The romance is a main part of the book, but there is more to it than just that. There is depth to the story.The descriptions are wonderful and allow readers to become immersed into the world of the characters. The writing style is very easy to read and detailed. As the condition of my copy of this book can attest to, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book. - Amazon Reader Review

What to read next?

The Rebel

sequel to...the Promise

WANTED…for crimes against the kingIn retaliation for the brutality of the English troops. The Irish rebel Egan is fighting back, leading a secret group of revolutionaries—and building his legend across the country.

REJECTED…by his own familyJane Purefoy is a woman with a past. The daughter of an English magistrate, she watched her Irish lover die on the gallows. Now Jane’s reputation is ruined—and she has all but ceased to exist is the eyes of her family.

DESIRED…with a forbidden passion.Sir Nicholas Spencer is on his way to Woodfield House to court the youngest Purefoy sister when he runs afoul of Egan. Not a man to be cowed, Nicholas wrestles the rebel to the ground and unmasks him—only to uncover Jane’s lovely countenance. Bewitched by the spirited lass, Nicholas decides to keep her secret while embarking on a risky plan of seduction, one that will throw her family into chaos, the country into rebellion, and his heart into the throes of a love that can never be…

TOUCHED MY HEART! Nicholas and Jane’s story is wonderful as it deals with real Irish history. Our heroine has been devastated in her teen years, but this hurt makes her the selfless woman she has grown into. Our hero has had a good life, a bit of a rake...when he realizes he needs to have a purpose in life. Their story keeps you guessing. Great ending! - Amazon Reader Review

The classic rebel-in-disguise story has never been more fun, exciting, or romantic as it is in May McGoldrick’s fabulous new novel. Miss Jane Purefoy has all the talent, finesse and innate sexiness of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Don’t miss a word of her passionate adventures! – Susan Wiggs

Secret Vows

two complete novels: the promise & the rebel

The PromiseRunning for her life on a desperate journey to America, Rebecca Neville promises the dying wife of the Earl of Stanmore to raise and care for her newborn son, James. Once in the New World, Rebecca begins her new life, as a mother.

Ten years later, the Earl of Stanmore learns of the fate of his family. He sends to the colonies for his young heir so he can raise him as a peer of the realm. With no intention of forsaking her vow, Rebecca returns to England with James to face a future without her beloved charge, but she must also face her tumultuous past.

The RebelJane Purefoy is a woman with a past. The daughter of an English magistrate, she takes on the guise of the notorious Irish rebel, Egan, leading a secret band of revolutionaries against the brutality of the colonial troops.

Sir Nicholas Spencer is on his way to Ireland to court Jane’s younger sister when he runs afoul of Egan. Nicholas unmasks the legendary rebel, only to uncover Jane. Bewitched by her, he decides to keep her secret while embarking on a risky plan of seduction, one that will throw her family into chaos, the country into rebellion, and his heart into the throes of a love that can never be.

REAL HEROIC ROMANCE AND LOTS OF HUMOR! Secret Vows was Fabulous!! A very refreshing romance story with the right touch of history, politics, mystery and lots of witty fun moments! I’m a first time reader by Ms. McGoldrick and I’m now anxious to read the next book. Lord Stanmore and Mrs. Ford (Rebecca) had me laughing till the end.The Rebel, the second book in this amazing edition, was by far one of the most touching, intense, courageous and juicy romances I have read as of late. With Ireland’s beautiful land as the background, The Rebel will touch your hearts as Nick and Jane find the meaning of true Love but not before struggling to disband everything that holds them apart. - Amazon Reader Review

NOT JUST THE AVERAGE HISTORICAL ROMANCE! I really enjoyed this box set. In fact I always enjoy the McGoldrick books. They usually have more than one plot going on at a time, and the history is spot on. I also like the fact that there’s always a sympathetic social subject in most of her novels. They’re not just the average historical romance. I will always be a fan. This box set will not disappoint! - Amazon Reader Review

what to read next?

Borrowed Dreams

book one of the Scottish dream trilogy

Prequel to the Pennington Family Series

THE PROPOSALDriven to undo the evil wrought by her dead husband, Millicent Wentworth must find a way to save her estate and free the innocent people he enslaves. Her only hope is a marriage—in name only—to the notorious widower, the Earl of Aytoun.

THE GROOMDevastated by the tragic accident that killed his wife and left him gravely wounded, Lyon Pennington, fourth Earl of Aytoun, is tormented by the accusations that blame him for the catastrophe. Filled with despair, he lets his mother lure him into a marriage of convenience—for the sake of a good-hearted woman on the verge of financial ruin.

THE DESIREUnder Millicent’s gentle gaze, Lyon begins to regain his strength and his wounded heart begins to heal. And soon Millicent discovers that beneath his unruly beard and grim demeanor, Lyon just may be the most handsome—and caring—man she’s ever encountered. For the first time in her life, she realizes that she is alive—alive with a smoldering desire for the one man she’ll love forever…

Holt Medallion Winner for Best Historical Romance

Romantic Times Award Winner for Best British-Set Historical Romance

I REALLY, REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! I have started trying to leave reviews for every book. I leave good ones, and I have left some really bad ones. I am not nice, and I am a picky reader. This is the first book i have read by this author. It was a free book. AND I LOVED IT!!!The storyline was very unique, with the hero suffering a fall and being paralyzed and drugged. This is how they met. Millicent is a widow who was beaten by her first husband, a vicious slave owner. This story tackles the issue of slavery, abuse, and the physical injuries that have left him unable to care for himself.I really, really enjoyed the way this was written. Great story, and characters with depth. I saw real character growth, real emotion, and a story worth reading. - Amazon Reader Review

ONE OF THE BEST! This romance was one of the best I’ve read ... Not the typical story, it has flawed and unusual main characters who manage to overcome their difficulties. Their problems are realistic compared to many novels which makes for a very satisfying read as they resolve the problems. I highly recommend this one and plan to read more from this author. - iBooks Reader Review

What to read next?

Captured Dreams

book two of the Scottish dream trilogy

THE CAPTAINBy day, Pierce Pennington is one of Boston's most respected and successful merchants. By night, he becomes the infamous Captain MacHeath, smuggling arms by sea under the pall of darkness in the name of liberty...

THE CAPTIVEPortia Edwards will go to any length to find the family she's never known. All her life, she thought herself to be an orphan. Then she finds that her mother is not only alive, but here in Boston and being held captive by Portia's own grandfather. She will need more than a little help spiriting her mother away to England...

THE CAPRICEBut asking for help is something Portia has never found easy. So even when she steals into her grandfather's masquerade ball and meets with the perfect opportunity to ask the dashing Pennington for help, stubborn pride stands in her way. Pennington would like nothing better than to forget about this proud young woman, yet he finds he cannot stop thinking of the night he met her in a garden...

The author’s grasp and depiction of the political turmoil during that time made the danger and intrigue realistic and adds to the book’s already fabulous storyline. There was wit and humor in each of Portia and Pierce’s interactions, which of course became more passionate as they got to know each other. Readers of Borrowed Dreams will get more clues to the puzzle surrounding a childhood friend’s death. With her own kind of magic, McGoldrick made this historical a pleasure to read and I can’t wait to have all three in my collection. - Reader to Reader Review

Adventure - Mystery - History and a wonderful Love Story!! This was the first book I’ve read by this author and she is brilliant in the way she writes. She weaved a story of intrigue, mystery, love, and history on both sides of the Atlantic! I was entranced by the characters - and could not put the book down. - Amazon Reader Review

what to read next?

Dreams of Destiny

book three of the Scottish dream trilogy

THE HEIRESSGwyneth Douglas, a young Scottish heiress in London, writes scandalous adventure books under a pen name, doing so to protect her identity and her fortune. When an unknown blackmailer threatens to expose her secret life, she has no choice but to turn to an old family friend. But Sir Allan is a penniless baronet who will do anything to get his hands on Gwyneth's inheritance, even commit murder...

THE ROGUE Wounded by scandal and the unsolved murder of his sister-in-law, David Pennington is outwardly insolent and arrogant, but upon discovering Gwyneth's plans to elope, he steps in, determined to keep her from ruining her future at the hands of a fortune hunter...

THE ADVENTUREForcing his company on Gwyneth during her journey to Scotland, David discovers that the passion he once shared with the feisty beauty has grown stronger than ever. But with their arrival in Scotland comes terrible danger. Now, if they ever hope to satisfy their fiery desire, they will need to thwart the evil that threatens to destroy both their lives...

Well written, entertaining end of the Scottish Dreams Trilogy. After reading book one, I had to get book 2, then get book 3 to see how everything came together. Lots of great action and events that lead up to the answer to the question addressed in book one. Also, a different twist to the life of characters in this time period with one of the main characters being a female and a writer!! - Amazon Reader Review

Dreams of Destiny is complex and filled with internal and external conflicts and a variety of skillfully depicted characters. One needn’t worry over becoming confused, however; the McGoldricks are experts at leading their readers through the intricacies of their plots and at creating distinct individuals. Still, for maximum enjoyment, if you haven’t already read the earlier titles, I recommend reading all three novels in the right order. They are all excellent, as well as very different from each other (BORROWED DREAMS has a hero wounded in body and spirit, and CAPTURED DREAMS takes place largely in pre-revolutionary America), and I highly recommend them all. - Romance Reviews Today

what to read next?

Scottish Dream Trilogy

Borrowed DreamsDriven to undo the evil wrought by her dead husband, Millicent Wentworth must find a way to save her estate and free the innocent people her husband enslaved. Her only hope is a marriage of convenience with the notorious widower, Lyon Pennington, fourth Earl of Aytoun, who just may be the most handsome-and caring-man she's ever encountered.

Captured Dreams Portia Edwards will go to any length to find the family she's never known. And when she meets merchant Pierce Pennington, a staunch but secretive Son of Liberty, Portia has the perfect chance to ask for his help. But her stubborn pride keeps her silent. That is, until she recognizes her strong attraction to the brave man who, by night, is known as the infamous Captain MacHeath, smuggling arms by sea under the pall of darkness-all in the name of liberty...

Dreams of DestinyWounded by scandal and the unsolved murder of his sister-in-law, David Pennington is outwardly insolent and arrogant. But nothing will stop him from escorting his childhood friend, Gwyneth Douglas, to Scotland and saving the Scottish heiress from fortune hunters. But with their arrival in Scotland comes terrible danger. Now, if they ever hope to satisfy their desire, they will need to thwart the evil that threatens to destroy both their lives...

I ENJOYED ALL FOUR AND WOULD GIVE 5 STARS... This was the fourth book that I have read by the husband and wife team writing under the name of May McGoldrick. I enjoyed all four and would give 5 STARS to The Promise, Borrowed Dreams, Captured Dreams, and Dreams of Destiny. The authors write an excellent story with some history thrown in which makes the stories very believable. They show the good and the evil that exists in this world and the love that conquers the evil. I will read more from these authors... Read these four as a series and begin with The Promise even though it is in a different series. - Amazon Reader Review

ENGROSSING!! Very good read. I found myself emotionally involved with the characters. The hints at the full story from one book to the next is ingenious. You are given just enough information that it makes you eager to read the next one. As I finished the last story and all the intrigue was made clear, I found myself feeling relieved for some of the characters and heartbroken for others. This is my second set stories by this author, I am extremely impressed and will be looking forward to more for of her delightful way of weaving a tale. - Amazon Reader Review